Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe another year has passed, but, as the saying goes, time sure does fly when you’re having fun!
Speaking of fun, we’ve already begun 2024 with a great start! This past Saturday, January 6th, we held our annual Frosty Fest event. Viking Park looked like a winter wonderland, complete with sleigh rides, ice sculpture games, and “snow” much more! Thank you to all who came to enjoy and support another fantastic event, including our sponsors from Advocate Aurora Health, BCU, and Honey Orthodontics!
And now, onto some more excitement this coming month!
POOL PASSES – ON SALE NOW!
It may only be the start of the winter season, but summer will be here before we know it! Make sure you and the family are ready for some fun in the sun – purchase your Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center 2024 season pass today!
Calling all park and recreation enthusiasts! Help predict the “Future of FUN” at Gurnee Park District, where anything is possible!
Is there a new program you would like to see offered, or maybe new play equipment you would like added to your favorite park? The possibilities are ENDLESS!
Share your ideas, BIG or small, by taking a short survey:
Have you ever wanted to be an ACTOR? Would you like to learn acting games and get comfortable speaking and being in front of an audience? Come join Acting UP where you will be trained in many acting techniques and learn the skills you need to be in the spotlight! You will also get the chance to give a performance in front of an audience of your family and friends!
This all NEW class begins 1/13-2/17!
Saturdays at Hunt Club Park Community Center 9:00-10:00am Ages 9-12
See how we learn and grow at Growing Tree Preschool! Whether your child currently attends or you are considering enrolling in the upcoming school year, our Open Houses provide parents the opportunity to learn about our program philosophy and curriculum. Each class room will have fun and engaging preschool activities for your child while parents learn more about the program from the teachers and administrative staff. Parents can also enroll their children in the upcoming school year with a discounted registration fee.
Open Houses will take place from 6:30-7:30pm on:
Wednesday, January 17 at Hunt Club Park Community Center Thursday, January 18 at Viking Park Community Center
*Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens January 17th at 6:30pm!
WINTER BEACH BASH – 1/19
Those winter blues starting to make you feel down? Shake off the snow and join us for a night of beach-themed activities, prizes, and splashing good times at our 87-degree indoor pool at FitNation! Light snacks and drinks will be provided for all. Don’t forget your favorite beach attire!
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone age 16+. Everyone attending must be registered for the event (even if they don’t want to swim). Children under 3 are free.
Almost two years ago, we formed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee at Gurnee Park District, a dedicated team of staff members who meet monthly to thoughtfully explore DEI related initiatives, goals, and community impacts. As we begin the new year, our committee is excited to share awareness on topics that we hope will inspire you to learn more about the significance and history each month celebrates.
For the month of January, we would like to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to advocating for racial justice, nonviolent resistance, and the realization of the American dream for all citizens.
Betty Russell Community Park is one of our most treasured parks here in Gurnee! Nestled in the Pembrook neighborhood, Betty Russell Park provides plenty of FUN for families all year round.
No matter the season, parkgoers can enjoy a variety of amenities including a large and imaginative playground, multiple outdoor sporting courts and fields, scenic nature trails, an outdoor ice hockey rink (winter season – weather permitting), and an enclosed shelter.
Fun Fact: Did you know, the park is named after Betty Russell, who served as Gurnee Park District Executive Director from 1977 – 1996.
UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS:
MONTHLY MIXER – 2/13
Our Monthly Mixers return in February 2024 with an all NEW theme -“For the Love of Toys”! Are you ready to relive your childhood with some of those nostalgic memories of playing with your favorite toys? Well, we’re going to do just that! Join presenter Dean Milano for a demonstration that is sure to bring you back to your younger self!
Lunch will include lasagna, salad, and bread catered from Tina’s Italian Café in Gurnee.
Thank you to our sponsor, Advocate Aurora Health, for helping to make this event possible!
900 N Hunt Club Rd
